The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) Data Storage Institute (DSI) recently entered into a strategic partnership with 4DS, Inc. to develop a 16 kilobit (Kbit) resistive random access memory (RRAM) prototype and memory controller.

With the rising popularity of applications in mobile electronic devices, the demand for non-volatile memories (NVM) also increases. Currently, flash memory dominates in this fast growing market. However, it is not without its disadvantages. The ideal characteristics of NVM are high density and speed as well as low power consumption and cost, but flash memory has slow write speed and write/erase cycles limitation. Due to these limitations, other promising non-volatile memory technologies like RRAM are becoming of interest due to its superior intrinsic scaling characteristics compared to flash devices, as well as fast switching speeds, lower program voltages and currents.

4DS, Inc. has developed a low power RRAM which can be manufactured in a fraction of mask steps as compared to flash memory.  4DS’ MOHJO™ RRAM is produced in a back end of line (BEOL), complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) compatible process.  4DS is collaborating with DSI’s expertise in NVM R&D, which includes integrated chip design, device design, material synthesis and characterization, coding and signal processing, tester development and testing. DSI and 4DS intend to push towards developing a 16 Kbit RRAM prototype based upon a concept from 4DS. Furthermore, a memory controller for the 16Kbit RRAM will be developed and preliminary testing will be carried out to verify the functionality of the controller.

“DSI has built up immense capabilities and extensive research activities on non-volatile memories such as STT-MRAM, PCRAM and RRAM. This collaboration would allow us to come one step closer to realizing the next generation of non-volatile memories. RRAM is one of the potential candidates to replace conventional flash memory and further push next-generation NVM technology towards storage products with high-density, high-speed and low power consumption,” said Dr. Pantelis Alexopoulos, Executive Director, DSI.

“The partnership with DSI will accelerate the integration of 4DS proprietary processes into CMOS process, and demonstration of the scalability of 4DS’ unique MOHJO™ RRAM cell structure as a high density memory array.  DSI is fast becoming one on the leading development centers, and 4DS is pleased to be collaborating with DSI in Singapore given the growing worldwide interest in RRAM” said Dr. Dongmin Chen, 4DS’ Chief Scientist and former Sr. Rowland Fellow at Harvard.  

Contacts         

Ms Melissa Koh

Data Storage Institute

Tel: (65) 6874 6852

Email: kohljm@scei.a-star.edu.sg

About Data Storage Institute

The Data Storage Institute (DSI) is a member of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). Established in 1992 as the Magnetics Technology Centre (MTC), it was renamed Data Storage Institute in 1996. The research institute's vision is to be a vital node in a global community of knowledge generation and innovation, nurturing research talents and capabilities for world-class R&D in next generation storage technologies. For more information, please visit http://www.dsi.astar.edu.sg/

About the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)

The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is the lead agency for fostering world-class scientific research and talent for a vibrant knowledge-based and innovation-driven Singapore. A*STAR oversees 14 biomedical sciences and physical sciences and engineering research institutes, and six consortia & centres, located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis as well as their immediate vicinity.

A*STAR supports Singapore's key economic clusters by providing intellectual, human and industrial capital to its partners in industry. It also supports extramural research in the universities, hospitals, research centres, and with other local and international partners.

For more information about A*STAR, please visit www.a-star.edu.sg.

About 4DS

4DS, Inc. is a privately held company leading the development of RRAM materials, processes and equipment for production of RRAM.  The Company has attracted the attention of a wide range of device manufacturers and partners to develop both stand alone and embedded memory applications.    

For more information on 4DS, Inc., please visit www.4-d-s.com or email us at info@4-d-s.com